Golf in Morocco: A 100-Year Tradition and the Best Courses to Play
Morocco is not the first destination most golfers think of when they picture a winter break — but it should be. The country has been quietly building golf courses for more than a century, has hosted the Hassan II Trophy (one of the oldest invitational events in the world) since 1971, and now offers more than 40 full-size courses scattered between the Atlantic coast, the imperial cities and the foothills of the Atlas.
For travellers willing to swap Algarve crowds for Atlas Mountain backdrops, Morocco is one of the best-kept secrets in golf tourism.
A short history of Moroccan golf
The first course in Morocco was laid out in Tangier in 1914 by British residents — the same year as the opening of the Royal Calcutta Golf Club's modern layout. A second course followed in Marrakech a decade later, and by the time King Hassan II took the throne in 1961 the sport had a royal patron who understood it well. Hassan II — himself a passionate amateur with a 14 handicap — commissioned American architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. to design what is still the country's most famous course: the Red Course at Royal Dar Es Salam in Rabat.
Today his son King Mohammed VI continues the tradition. The royal family owns or sponsors several of the country's best courses, the annual Trophée Hassan II is broadcast on the European Tour, and a new generation of Moroccan professionals — most prominently Maha Haddioui on the LET — is bringing the country fresh attention.
The best courses in Morocco
1. Royal Dar Es Salam — Rabat
Three courses (Red, Blue, Green) carved out of a 440-acre cork-oak forest a short drive from the capital. The Red Course is the famous one: 7,307 yards, host of the Hassan II Trophy, and a course Tiger Woods called "one of the most beautiful in the world" when he played it as a teenager.
2. Royal Golf Marrakech
The oldest course in Marrakech (1923), recently redesigned, set among orange and olive groves with snow-capped Atlas views in winter. Less dramatic than the modern resorts but historically the most charming.
3. Amelkis Golf Club — Marrakech
A Cabell Robinson design with the High Atlas as a permanent backdrop on the back nine. Hosts the Trophée Hassan II in years when it is not held in Rabat. The clubhouse and adjoining hotel are excellent.
4. Assoufid Golf Club — Marrakech
The most architecturally celebrated course of the past decade — a Niall Cameron design in the Agafay desert, no out-of-bounds, framed by sand and Atlas peaks. Caddies are mandatory and worth every dirham.
5. Mazagan Beach Resort — El Jadida
A Gary Player links-style course on the Atlantic, with prevailing wind off the ocean and one of the best beach-and-golf combinations in Morocco.
6. Tazegzout Golf — Taghazout, near Agadir
Kyle Phillips design, opened 2014, with Atlantic views from almost every hole. Pairs naturally with surf trips in Taghazout for travellers bringing a non-golfing partner.
When to play
Morocco's coastal courses are playable year-round; the inland Marrakech courses are best October through April. Summer in Marrakech regularly exceeds 38°C and most clubs run sunrise tee times only.
| Region | Best months | Climate notes | |--------|-------------|---------------| | Rabat / Casablanca | September – June | Mild Atlantic climate, occasional rain in winter. | | Marrakech | October – April | Dry, sunny, 18–25°C; chilly evenings December–February. | | Agadir / Taghazout | All year | 20–28°C year-round, breezier in summer. | | Tangier / north | March – November | Wetter and cooler than the south. |
What it costs
Green fees are still well below European resort prices. Expect:
- Royal Dar Es Salam — Red Course: around 1,500 MAD weekday, 1,800 MAD weekend (~€150–180)
- Amelkis / Assoufid: 1,200–1,800 MAD
- Royal Golf Marrakech: 700–900 MAD
- Caddy: 150–250 MAD, plus tip
- Cart: 250–350 MAD (caddies are often a better deal and richer experience)
How to package a Moroccan golf trip
Most international golfers fly into Marrakech-Menara or Casablanca-Mohammed V and stay 7–10 days. A typical itinerary we design for golfing guests:
- Days 1–4 Marrakech base. Three rounds: Amelkis, Assoufid, Royal Golf Marrakech. Riad accommodation in the medina, afternoons free for souks and the Majorelle Garden.
- Day 5 Atlas Mountains day trip — a non-golf day for the body, but unforgettable scenery.
- Days 6–7 Drive to Rabat. One round at Royal Dar Es Salam's Red Course. Overnight in the capital.
- Days 8–9 Atlantic coast: one round at Mazagan, beach time in El Jadida, return via Casablanca for the flight home.
For travellers combining golf with cultural sightseeing, we routinely swap golf days in and out of our standard Imperial Cities tour and the Marrakech, Atlas & Agafay adventure.
A note for serious players
If you want to play in Royal Dar Es Salam's pro-am tournament during Hassan II Trophy week (typically April), tee times must be booked 6 months ahead through the federation. Our team handles the registration paperwork for guests who request it.
Tee off in Morocco
We have arranged dozens of golf-plus-culture itineraries for guests from the UK, US, Scandinavia and the Gulf. If you want a quote for a 7–10-day golf trip — green fees, riad stays, private driver and a non-golfing partner programme — contact us and we will send a sample itinerary within 24 hours.